Posted by noa on May 29, 2003, at 17:15:49
In reply to Depressed people don't smile, posted by cybercafe on May 26, 2003, at 21:26:40
>>For 4 months my doc told me I couldn't have an antidepressant despite my feeling very very bad. Finally he mentioned that it was because I smiled in his office, and depressed people don't smile.
>>Is there any truth to this, or do you guys also go from lows to feeling normal depending on environment (pdoc visits are very significant, very positive events in my life, as they are my best hope for getting better)
Comment: I am appalled. His statement is utter nonsense.
Has he not ever heard of "Atypical Depression" ("atypical" btw, is a misnomer but such it is dubbed). One of the distinctions of "atypcial" depression is "MOOD REACTIVITY"--ie, the person can react to social interaction, laugh at a joke, etc. vs. the previously held notion that all depressed people are totally impervious to attempts to get them to brighten up a bit in social interaction.
Here is a good article to read:
Atypical Depression Actually Very Typical
Correct Treatment May Depend on Proper Diagnosis
by Nancy SchimelpfeningURL:
http://depression.about.com/library/weekly/aa082901.htmI am rather appalled because this is such a well known concept and diagnosis!!
Check out some other doctors!!
poster:noa
thread:229308
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030517/msgs/230017.html